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The Best Hiking in China? 4 Gongga Mountain Trails for Every Level (From Chengdu!)

If you love hiking—and you’re coming to China—don’t miss Gongga Mountain (Gònggá Shān, 贡嘎山).It’s the highest peak in Sichuan (7,556m)—and way less crowded than Everest Base Camp.


But here’s the problem: most guides only talk about one route.A Swedish friend once flew all the way to Chengdu… only to find out he wasn’t ready for the “big loop.”


This guide fixes that.I’ll show you 4 real hiking loops around Gongga—from easy 28km photo walks to 66km high-altitude adventures.Pick the one that fits your fitness, time, and experience.


No fluff.

Just trails that actually work—for foreign hikers like you.


Hikers in colorful jackets trek through a lush green valley with snow-capped mountains in the background, under a cloudy sky.
Gongga Mountain Trails

Why Gongga? And Why Hike It?

Gongga Mountain = “King of Sichuan Peaks”.

Its glaciers, alpine lakes, and Tibetan villages feel untouched by mass tourism.

Unlike Lhasa or Zhangjiajie, you won’t see crowds here.

Just yaks, prayer flags, and 360° views of snow giants.

（Best Gongga Mountain hiking trails in China for foreign travelers）

Best time to go:

  • May–June: Wildflowers + clear skies

  • September–October: Crisp air + golden forests


Start point: Chengdu (Chéngdū, 成都).

All routes begin with a 6–8 hour drive to trailheads like Laoyulin (Lǎoyúlín, 老榆林) or Xinduqiao (Xīndūqiáo, 新都桥).


Map showing the Southwest Slope of Gongga Mountain hiking route. Key locations include Chengdu, Laoyulin Village, and Gongga Monastery.
Gongga Southwest Slope – Easy & Photogenic

Trail 1: Gongga Southwest Slope – Easy & Photogenic

Perfect for: First-time hikers, photographers, or those short on time.

Distance: 28km over 4 daysMax altitude: 4,550m (at Zimei Pass – Zǐméi Yàkǒu, 子梅垭口)


Highlights:

People gather by a reflective lake at sunrise, capturing snow-capped mountains. Bright sky and serene mood enhance the scenic beauty.
Lihai Lake

  • Lihai Lake (Lǐsuǒ Hǎi, 里索海): Mirror-like alpine lake

Aerial view of a red and gold-roofed temple in a mountainous valley, surrounded by green hills. Snow-capped mountains are visible in the distance.
Gongga Monastery

  • Gongga Monastery (Gònggá Sì, 贡嘎寺): Tiny temple with mountain views

Scenic view of a turquoise lake with rocky edges, surrounded by mountains under a blue sky with fluffy clouds, creating a serene atmosphere.
Quanhua Beach

  • Quanhua Beach (Quánhuá Tān, 泉华滩): Colorful mineral pools


Real story:

A Canadian couple did this loop in October.

They said: “We’re 60+ and not super fit—but we saw glaciers, lakes, and zero crowds. Worth every step.”


My advice:

  • Pack warm layers—nights drop below 0°C

  • Hire a local guide (¥300/day)—trails aren’t marked in English

  • Skip if you want “wilderness solitude”—you’ll meet a few other trekkers


Map of Gongga Mountain routes with blue and yellow paths. Key locations marked: Zheduo Pass, Ritwuqie Campsite, Zuore Lake. Text: DolphinUnion.com.
Gongga + Ledomanyin Glacier – Beginner Challenge

Trail 2: Gongga + Ledomanyin Glacier – Beginner Challenge

Perfect for: Fit beginners ready for real adventure.

Distance: 48kmMax altitude: 4,980m (at Ridaman Pass – Rìdámǎn Yàkǒu, 日达曼垭口)


Highlights:

Snow-capped mountains with a glacier flowing between rocky slopes. Green meadow in foreground under a bright blue sky. Peaceful scenery.
Ledomanyin Glacier

  • Ledomanyin Glacier (Lèduōmànyīn Bīngchuān, 勒多曼因冰川): Blue ice river you can walk beside

Snow-capped mountain peak glows in sunset hues, reflected in calm water below. Clouds float above, creating a serene, majestic scene.
Cold Lake

  • Cold Lake (Lěnggā Cuò, 冷嘎措): Reflections of Gongga at sunrise

  • Yulongxi Village (Yùlóngxī Cūn, 玉龙西村): Stone houses + Tibetan butter tea


Watch out:

Day 3 climbs 800m in 5km—steep and rocky.

Bring trekking poles and altitude meds (Diamox).


True story:

A Brazilian solo hiker tried this without a guide.

Got lost near Shangriwuche Camp (Shàngrìwūqiě Yíngdì, 上日乌且营地).

Now he always hires local help—and says it’s safer and more fun.


Map titled "Gongga Mini Circuit" with yellow hiking paths and vehicle sections. Includes locations like Xinduqiao Town and Gongga Snow Mountain.
Gongga Small Loop – The Sweet Spot

Trail 3: Gongga Small Loop – The Sweet Spot

Perfect for: Those who want glaciers + lakes + moderate challenge.

Distance: 43kmMax altitude: 4,980m


Snow-capped mountains under dramatic clouds, illuminated by warm sunset light. Rugged terrain and shadows create a serene, majestic mood.
Zimei Pass

Why I love it:

It hits Cold Lake, Zimei Pass, Ledomanyin, and Ridaman Pass—but in 5 days, not 8.

Route flow:

  • Day 2: Forest trek to Shangriwuche Camp

  • Day 3: Cross Ridaman Pass → descend to Zimei Pass

  • Day 4: Sunrise at Cold Lake → return to Yulongxi


Tip:

Book a homestay in Yulongxi (¥80/night).

Hosts cook yak meat stew and share stories about mountain spirits.


Map of Gongga Grand Circuit with routes in blue and yellow, key stops like Chengdu, Kangding, and Quanhua Beach. "DolphinUnion.com" noted.
Gongga Grand Loop – For Experts Only

Trail 4: Gongga Grand Loop – For Experts Only

Perfect for: Experienced hikers with high-altitude trekking background.

Distance: 66km over 8 daysMax altitude: 4,980m (multiple passes)


What makes it hard:

  • No phone signal for 5 days

  • River crossings (water up to knees in June)

  • Camping only—no lodges


A person in a red jacket stands by a mountain lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks and tents under a cloudy sky. Rugged terrain.
Gongga Grand Loop – For Experts Only

But the payoff?

You’ll see every major Gongga landmark in one epic journey:

  • Ledomanyin Glacier

  • Cold Lake

  • Quanhua Beach

  • Zimei Pass

  • Barwang Lake (Bāwáng Hǎi, 巴王海)


Warning:

Don’t attempt this alone.

A UK trekker got mild altitude sickness on Day 5.

His local guide carried his pack and got him down safely.


Must-do:

  • Train with weekend hikes near Chengdu first (try Qingcheng Back Mountain)

  • Carry water purifier—streams are clean but not sterile


Mountainous landscape with snowy peaks, a glacier, and a turquoise lake. Foreground features colorful wildflowers and green hills. Cloudy sky.
Gongga Grand Loop – For Experts Only

How to Get There from Chengdu (Without a Tour)

Option 1: Shared van

  • From Chengdu Xinnanmen Bus Station (Xīnnánmén Qìchēzhàn, 新南门汽车站)

  • To Kangding (Kāngdìng, 康定): ¥120, 4 hours

  • Then private car to Laoyulin or Xinduqiao: ¥400–600

Option 2: Private driver

  • Chengdu → Laoyulin: ¥1,200 one-way (6 hours)

  • Ask your hostel to arrange—it’s cheaper than tour agencies

Pro tip:Bring cash. Most villages don’t accept cards or mobile pay.

What Foreign Hikers Say

“The Small Loop gave me everything—glaciers, lakes, culture—in just 5 days. Perfect balance.”— Lena, Germany
“I did the Southwest Slope at 62. If I can do it, you can!”— Robert, USA
“The Grand Loop changed my life. No crowds. Just mountains and silence.”— Akira, Japan

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Go with confidence—and leave with stories, not stress.

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